Ingestible Capsule Line-Scan GI Tract Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ingestible camera pills for GI tract diagnostics are large, inconvenient, and risky due to their size, requiring cumbersome external devices for image capture and transmission, and they lack the ability to provide high-resolution images with precise location information, leading to inefficient and invasive diagnostic processes.
Innovation Solution
An ingestible image scanning pill that captures high-resolution images of the GI tract by scanning line by line and region by region, using various light sources and non-light energies, transmitting signals for processing outside the body to create a fully linear image of the GI tract, allowing medical professionals to view it as if it were stretched and laid flat, without the need for incisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional RF camera pills are used for GI tract imaging, then image capture is achieved, but the device size becomes excessively large and requires cumbersome external equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging function is divided into two parts: the ingestible capsule captures and stores images locally, while the external computer system handles image processing and display. This segmentation allows the capsule to be small and simple, eliminating the need for bulky external imaging equipment while maintaining high-resolution imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule creates digital copies of the GI tract images and transmits them wirelessly to an external computer. The external system then processes and displays these copied images, allowing the capsule itself to remain small without requiring complex external imaging hardware.
2Loss of time
If conventional RF camera pills are used, then image transmission is possible, but multiple office visits and invasive procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule autonomously captures images during its passage through the GI tract and automatically transmits them to an external computer when excreted. This self-service capability eliminates the need for multiple office visits and manual intervention, allowing patients to complete the diagnostic process at home and receive results through regular mail or electronic delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule performs the image capture action preliminarily during its natural passage through the digestive system, so that when it is excreted, the imaging task is already complete and the images are ready for transmission and analysis, eliminating the need for subsequent invasive procedures.
3Ease of operation
If the capsule size is reduced for easier ingestion, then patient comfort improves, but image quality and location precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic field intermediary is introduced to bridge the small capsule and the external computer system. Magnets embedded in the capsule interact with external magnetic sensors to precisely track the capsule's location and orientation, enabling accurate spatial mapping of images despite the capsule's small size and flexible, ingestible form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule integrates multiple functions including image capture, magnetic field interaction for location tracking, and wireless data transmission, all within a small, ingestible form factor. This multi-functionality allows the capsule to maintain both ease of ingestion and high measurement precision simultaneously.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient, non-invasive, and high-resolution imaging of the GI tract, reducing the need for multiple office visits and invasive procedures, while providing precise location information and improved diagnostic accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The imaging device takes a picture of the wall of the GI tract by illuminating the wall with a light source and capturing light reflected from the wall
Data Source
AI summary
An ingestible image scanning pill captures high resolution images of the GI tract as it passes through. Images communicated externally have exact location determination. Image processing software discards duplicate information and stitches images together, line scan by line scan, to replicate a complete GI tract as if it were stretched out in a straight line. A fully linear image is displayed to a medical professional as if the GI tract had been stretched in a straight line, cut open, laid flat out on a bench for viewing—all without making any incisions in a live patient.